The designs featured on the obverse (heads side) and reverse (tails side) of the American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin are based on James Earle Fraser's original 1913 Type I Buffalo nickel. The obverse depicts the profile of a Native American, with the inscriptions LIBERTY, 2013, the initial "F" for Fraser, and the "W" mint mark for the United States Mint at West Point. The reverse depicts the revered American Buffalo - also known as the bison - with the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, $50, 1OZ., and .9999 FINE GOLD.

Each American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin is presented in an elegant hardwood box with a matte finish. The coin is exhibited on a platform that can be positioned at an angle for display when the box is open. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

The United States Mint accepts orders at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders. There are no mintage or household order limits for this product.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the beloved American Buffalo design, the United States Mint will also be offering a reverse proof quality version of the gold coin later this year. The reverse proof coin will be minted to demand at the United States Mint at West Point and will be sold separately from the proof coin. Its packaging will also ensure that it is recognizable as a different product. The price will be determined according to the United States Mint's pricing structure for products containing gold and platinum available online at http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/ConsumerDirect/images/catalog/en_US/PMPricingGrid.pdf. Please check our Web site regularly for additional details as they become available.

The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint's numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of May 23, 2013, at noon ET shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint's Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.